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Ohio State University


A chat may help convert a peer to a pro-sustainability stance

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that exposure to a pro-sustainability opinion in conversation can persuade people with anti-sustainability views to support environmentally friendly initiatives. In contrast, individuals with a pro-sustainability viewpoint remain unpersuaded by opposing viewpoints.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Black youth aren’t isolated in segregated neighborhoods

A study published in the American Journal of Sociology found that urban Black youth living in segregated neighborhoods spent a substantial amount of time in areas with mostly white residents. They often traveled to predominantly white neighborhoods to access better-resourced schools, stores, and organizations.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Spinning food processing waste into ‘gold’

Researchers analyzed 46 waste samples and proposed production opportunities for sustainable fuels, biogas, electricity, chemicals, and organic fertilizer. The study aims to reduce food waste and its environmental impact by finding alternative uses for industrial waste products.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJan 25, 2023

Reducing steel corrosion vital to combating climate change

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers estimated that global steel production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with corroded steel replacement accounting for up to 4% of total emissions. Reducing steel corrosion could have a measurable impact on reducing greenhouse gases produced during steel production.

SourceOhio State University·Journalnpj Materials Degradation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 24, 2023

How the last 12,000 years have shaped what humans are today

The shift from foraging to farming led to increased conflict, violence, and infectious diseases. Humans adapted genetically to dairy consumption around 5,000 years ago, while early agricultural communities faced social challenges, including limited diets and kinship organization.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 16, 2023

Falling birth rate not due to less desire to have children

A new study suggests that young Americans' concern about the future and difficulties in achieving their goals of having children are delaying parenthood. Despite consistent childbearing goals since the 1960s, unintended births have declined, but people are not having as many children as they say they want, especially at earlier ages.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPopulation and Development Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2023

Feeling depressed? Performing acts of kindness may help

A study conducted at Ohio State University found that performing acts of kindness led to improvements in life satisfaction and reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms. The intervention was more effective than other therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, in making participants feel more connected to others.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 10, 2023

Why technology alone can’t solve the digital divide

A recent study by Ohio State University found that despite widespread internet access, many refugee communities struggle to use digital technology for daily needs. The research highlights the importance of addressing social and cultural barriers to bridge the digital divide.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJan 5, 2023

Adult children more likely to be estranged from dad than mom

A new national study found that adult children are over four times more likely to be estranged from their fathers than mothers. The study, conducted by Ohio State University researchers, tracked child estrangement in over 8,000 mother-child and father-child relationships. Results showed that factors such as gender, race/ethnicity, and ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2022

Some state welfare policies linked to more foster care

A new national study found that states with restricted access to federal welfare benefits had higher numbers of child neglect victims and more children placed in foster care. The study suggests that making it easier for low-income families to receive cash assistance through the TANF program could prevent some child maltreatment and res...

SourceOhio State University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2022

Why housing alone is not enough for some homeless moms

A study found that providing only housing to young mothers struggling with substance abuse does little to help them. In contrast, those receiving housing and supportive services showed significant improvements in reducing substance use and increasing self-efficacy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 28, 2022

Local alcohol availability related to child maltreatment

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that neighborhoods with more stores selling alcohol have higher rates of child abuse and neglect. The study suggests that reducing alcohol availability is crucial in preventing child maltreatment, as it perpetuates a cycle of substance use among young adults.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2022

Desert dust collected from glacier ice helps document climate change

A new study documents past changes in Earth's climate system by analyzing dust composition in samples collected from different areas and depths of the same glacier. The findings suggest that a complete dust record could offer more secrets than scientists realize, hinting at potential long-term perspectives on the Central Asian dust cycle.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGeosciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2022

Even in kindergarten, gaps seen in extracurricular activities

A study found significant gaps in extracurricular activities among kindergarten children based on race and mother's education level. White children were more likely to participate in athletics, while those from disadvantaged backgrounds may miss opportunities that could help them succeed in school.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2022

Double trouble when 2 disasters strike electrical transmission infrastructure

Researchers developed a machine learning model to analyze how susceptible overhead transmission lines are to damage from back-to-back natural hazards. The study found that previous damage can have a significant impact on the fragility and reliability of power grids, especially when followed by a hurricane.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEarthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 21, 2022

Scientists hit their creative peak early in their careers

A new study found that scientists tend to be most innovative and creative early in their careers, with a significant decline in impact over the course of their careers. The study analyzed 5.6 million biomedical science articles and found that the work of less-innovative researchers tends to drop out as they get older.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Human Resources·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2022

Machine learning helps scientists peer (a second) into the future

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new machine learning method called next-generation reservoir computing that can learn spatiotemporal chaotic systems in a fraction of the time. The algorithm is more accurate and uses less training data, making it easier to predict complex physical processes like Earth's weather.

SourceOhio State University·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 2022

Climate change is turning the trees into gluttons

New research shows that elevated carbon dioxide levels in forests in the US have increased wood volume by up to 20%, making trees more efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide. This phenomenon is called carbon fertilization and can help mitigate climate change, potentially reducing costs associated with mitigation efforts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2022

How white consumers helped drive discrimination by businesses

A new study from Ohio State University finds that white consumers' preferences played a significant role in driving discriminatory practices by private businesses against Black customers before the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The study analyzed data from the Negro Motorist Green Book and found that counties with more Confederate monument...

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022

US presidential narcissism linked to longer wars

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that US presidents who scored high on a measure of narcissism spent an average of 613 days at war, compared to 136 days for those below average. Narcissistic leaders tend to extend wars to declare victory and maintain their self-image.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Conflict Resolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2022